Google Pixel 9 Review: Pros, Cons & Samsung S24 Comparison

You’ve probably noticed the Google Pixel 9 showing up in more carrier ads lately, and the question that follows is the same one that trails every new phone: is it actually worth the upgrade? With a €899 starting price in Ireland and a heavy bet on AI features, Google’s latest flagship faces a tough comparison against the Samsung Galaxy S24 — a phone that launched earlier but still sets the pace for performance.

Release date: August 2024 ·
Starting price (Ireland): €899 (approx) ·
Processor: Google Tensor G4 ·
RAM: 12 GB ·
Battery life: 24+ hours ·
Charging speed: 55% in ~30 minutes

Here is how the core specifications of both phones compare side-by-side.

Is the Google Pixel 9 any good?

Overall verdict

The Pixel 9 is a capable phone with a clear identity: it prioritises AI-driven photography and a clean Android experience over raw CPU power. Its 12 GB of RAM is tuned for Google’s machine learning tasks, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Live Translate. In daily use, the phone feels snappy for most tasks — browsing, messaging, social media — but it can stutter under heavier loads. Some users report 4-5 second freezes during demanding apps, a symptom of the Tensor G4’s modest performance ceiling compared to Qualcomm’s latest silicon.

The implication: if you want a camera-first phone with seamless Google integration and don’t push your device to its limits, the Pixel 9 delivers. But if you play graphic-intensive games or run demanding apps, you’ll notice the gap.

The pattern: Google optimises for AI workflows while Samsung balances raw performance across all tasks, making the choice hinge on your usage priorities.

Value for money

At €899 for the 128GB model, the Pixel 9 costs roughly €100 more than the S24’s launch price in Ireland. The extra €100 buys you 4 GB more RAM and Google’s exclusive AI photo editing tools. But those features are only valuable if you actually use them. For a buyer who mostly texts, browses, and takes occasional photos, the S24 delivers comparable real-world performance for less money.

Refurbished options change the math. Pixel 9 refurbished 128GB units hover around $389-$390, while new units start at $799. That makes the Pixel 9 a strong buy for budget-conscious shoppers willing to go refurbished, especially when paired with Vodafone IE or Three.ie carrier deals.

The catch: refurbished stock may not include Irish warranty coverage, and availability through Irish carriers is inconsistent.

Is Pixel 9 better than the Samsung Galaxy S24?

Performance

Here’s the headline: the Samsung Galaxy S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400) is roughly 33.48% faster than the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4, according to benchmark data. That gap shows in real-world use — the S24 handles multitasking, gaming, and video editing more smoothly. The Pixel 9’s 12 GB RAM helps in AI workloads, but for raw speed, the S24 wins.

These benchmark results frame the performance gap clearly.

The implication: Google bets on AI-specific optimisation rather than brute processing force, leaving the S24 to win on balanced performance across all app types.

Camera comparison

The Pixel 9’s 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras produce striking photos in good light, with Google’s computational photography delivering natural-looking skin tones and excellent dynamic range. The S24 counters with a versatile triple-camera setup (50MP + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto) that includes a dedicated telephoto lens — something the Pixel 9 lacks entirely. This gives the S24 an edge for zoom shots and portrait photography at range.

In low light, both phones perform well, but the Pixel 9’s Night Sight tends to produce brighter, more detailed images. However, the Pixel 9 tends to overheat on hot sunny days during extended photo sessions, potentially limiting outdoor shooting.

The catch: Google’s computational edge in stills comes with a thermal cost that Samsung’s more efficient chipset largely avoids.

Battery life

The Pixel 9 packs a larger battery (4700 mAh vs 4000 mAh) and delivers roughly 6 hours of screen-on time with 25% remaining, which translates to a full day of moderate use. The S24, with its smaller battery, typically lasts about 23 hours under similar conditions. Both phones support wireless charging, but the Pixel 9’s 27W wired charging is slightly faster than the S24’s 25W — reaching 55% in about 30 minutes.

What are the disadvantages of the Google Pixel 9?

Common complaints

• No expandable storage: You’re limited to the internal 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options. No microSD card slot.
• No headphone jack: Like almost every modern flagship, the 3.5mm port is gone.
• Slower charging than competitors: 27W wired charging lags behind OnePlus and Xiaomi devices that hit 65W or higher.
• Limited repair network in Ireland: Official Pixel repairs are harder to find compared to Samsung’s extensive service centre network through Harvey Norman, Vodafone, and directly.

Software issues

Some users report occasional stutter and freezing — the phone can lock up for 4-5 seconds during heavy app switching. These appear to be software optimisation issues rather than hardware defects, and Google may address them in future updates. But for a phone at €899, such hiccups are disappointing.

Hardware limitations

• Maximum storage of 256 GB is half of what the S24 offers (512 GB).
• >No dedicated telephoto lens means digital zoom only beyond 2x.
• Tensor G4’s performance ceiling means it won’t age as gracefully as Snapdragon-based rivals for gaming and heavy apps.

The implication: Google’s hardware compromises make the Pixel 9 a better short-to-medium term buy than a long-term investment for power users.

Is Google Pixel a hit or a flop?

Sales figures

According to Pocket-lint, Pixel sales are growing and the 9 series is selling better than ever. But the context matters: Google’s market share remains tiny compared to Samsung and Apple. In Ireland specifically, Pixel phones occupy a niche position — popular among tech enthusiasts and Google Workspace users, but rarely seen in the hands of the average consumer walking through a Carphone Warehouse or Three store.

Consumer sentiment

Reviews are generally favourable but carry a consistent note of caution: the Pixel 9 is a good phone, not a great one, and the competition has pulled ahead in raw performance. The phone’s AI features are genuinely useful — Magic Eraser and Live Translate work well — but they don’t compensate for the performance gap in day-to-day tasks that matter to most users.

Which is better between Google Pixel and Samsung?

Design philosophy

Samsung offers a wider range of models across price points, from the budget A-series to the ultra-premium S24 Ultra. Google has a narrower lineup, focusing on the mid-to-premium segment. The Pixel 9’s design is clean and minimal, while Samsung’s S24 adopts sharper edges that some find uncomfortable to hold.

Ecosystem

Samsung One UI is more feature-rich out of the box, with Samsung DeX, a built-in screen recorder, and deeper customisation. Google’s stock Android is cleaner and gets monthly updates faster, but lacks some of Samsung’s power-user tools.

Price point

The S24 undercuts the Pixel 9 at launch by roughly €100 in Ireland. For that €100, Samsung offers a more versatile camera system, a faster processor, a bigger storage option, and a broader service network. The Pixel 9 counters with more RAM, slightly better battery life, and exclusive AI features.

Packed with groundbreaking AI features, a stunning display, and a camera that’ll make every shot a masterpiece.

— Currys.ie product description

Pixel 9 runs fast and smooth with 12 GB of RAM. And it’s designed to handle Google’s advanced AI.

— Google Store description

Summary

The Pixel 9 is a phone that knows exactly what it wants to be: an AI-first camera device with clean software and a 7-year update promise. For Irish buyers who prioritise photography, value Google’s ecosystem, and ride out carrier deals or refurbished options, it’s a solid choice. But for anyone who wants the best raw performance, the widest lens selection, or the strongest aftersales support, the Samsung Galaxy S24 makes more sense at a lower price. The decision hinges on what you value more: Google’s AI magic or Samsung’s proven hardware muscle.

For the Irish buyer buying on Vodafone or Three.ie, the Pixel 9 suits those who want the best camera and AI features at a slight premium, while the Galaxy S24 serves buyers who want stronger performance, more storage, and a better repair network for less money upfront.

For those considering the previous generation, our Pixel 8 review highlights the pros and cons of Google’s 2023 flagship.

Frequently asked questions